Snowed In For Christmas by Kimberly Krey {Review}

Snowed In For Christmas by Kimberly Krey

Kindle edition

Published: November 24, 2020

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given

 

Three things are to blame for the chaos:

Easton lost a bet.
Ivy wants a promotion.
And Denver was hit with the biggest blizzard its seen in years.

Now, they're stuck in a hut for Christmas with nothing but the fire to warm them. Unless, of course, they can warm up to each other.

   

My Review: 5 Stars

I have yet to meet a Kimberly Krey book that I haven't loved! When Easton loses a bet to his baby sister, he finds himself roped into the latest bachelor-finding-love on TV series. He's the manliest man ever and thrives in the great outdoors. Ivy has to interview him before heading home for the Christmas holiday and will do anything to get that interview--including renting a 4x4 SUV and driving through a blizzard. The magic of Christmas snow allows for a steamy clean chemistry to develop and I was frozen in my spot, devouring this one as fast as a batch of delectable fudge.

Although Easton and Ivy know each other for a very short time, they instantly click into place. They slide into an easy relationship of sarcasm, useless facts about random things, and balancing out their opposite pasts, and I loved every minute of being snowed in with them. I was transported right into their yurt, absorbing their sweet and spicy connections with big gulping breaths.

Of course, there has to be some drama, but it was perfectly written, allowing for some soul-searching character growth. I adore the way Krey writes her romances. The underlying swoon is present throughout the entire story, but it isn't sickly sweet. There are some wonderful moments of loyalty, family ties, and insecurity, which even out to be an incredibly fun and swoony story. This one is perfect for the Christmas romance lover.

Content: mild+ romance (steamy clean kissing, some innuendo); very mild moments of danger/peril

One Singing Bachelorette by Jennifer Youngblood {Review}

 One Singing Bachelorette (A Romeo Family Romance) by Jennifer Youngblood

Kindle Edition

Published October 1st 2020 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given

 

****

 

The Romeo Family Romance Series continues with Lexi Romeo’s story. This one is a crossover with the popular O'Brien family romance series.

It's not easy being a cousin to the illustrious Romeos and having to walk in their shadows. However, Lexi Romeo is holding her own. She's determined to make it as a singer and songwriter. A chance to become one of the hopeful bachelorettes on a TV reality series might just be her ticket to fame. However, one look into Asher O'Brien's piercing blue eyes, and her world is rocked ...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Review: 4.5 Stars

 

This is such a great family saga and it's no secret that I love a good reality TV type of story. What's extra fun about this one is that it's not only about finding love, it's about music.

Lexi definitely has talent and when a last minute spot opens up on the show, she manages to snag it with her family connections. It can't be easy being kind to catty women, but Lexi is such a sweet soul and manages to steal the show with this story. I was drooling over her culinary creations, cheering her on in love, and longing to hear her voice singing her songs. Bachelor Asher was completely dreamy and I loved how gentlemanly he was towards this cast of women and enjoyed watching all interactions unfold.

Although drama is expected in this type of story line, I was caught off guard by some of the happenings. I loved it, I hate it, I just couldn't look away, and I definitely wanted a few more romantic and emotional interactions. My world was rocked by this sweet and entertaining story.

Content: mild+ romance (kissing, near rape); mild religion

The Billionaire Bachelor by Judy Corry {Review}

The Billionaire Bachelor by Judy Corry

Kindle Edition, 300 pages

Published February 2020 by Amazon Digital Services

    

His best friend’s sister was off limits. But some rules are meant to be broken.

Billionaire Drew Burrows had high hopes of finding love as the bachelor on a reality TV show. Instead, he’s sent home with a "girlfriend" he doesn't really like. When his best friend’s little sister is hired by the show, he realizes his girlfriend doesn't stand a chance because his feelings for Kate didn’t disappear when she became someone else’s wife.

Kate Dawson has two goals: get her screenplays on the big screen and keep her divorce a secret. So when her new boss insists that she push Drew towards an engagement, she promises to do her best. But she soon discovers that working closely with Drew brings back powerful memories of a fateful night seven years ago that started with a stolen kiss and ended in heartbreak.

With the world watching and the paparazzi around every corner, Drew and Kate must decide whether to follow the rules or allow their hearts to finally have their way.

My Review: 5 Stars

I don't watch The Bachelor, but I love books that incorporate that type of reality show into their story line and this one was great. Drew and Kate grew up together and have lost touch for seven years--until now. He's the billionaire bachelor and I loved seeing how things worked behind the scenes, and wondered how true-to-life it really is. 

Drew and Kate have a wonderful connection and their chemistry is off the charts. Corry does a great job in capturing the romantic tension in this steamy clean love story.  I love that Drew and Kate share a past and a solid friendship, which given the mutual attraction, gradually flourishes. There was a surprising depth and emotional element to this book that caught me off guard, since I was expecting pure fluff. Never fear--the fluff and sweetness is still there, but this depth brings about an engaging story that captivated me from start to finish. 

Content: mild+ romance (kissing)

Her TV Bachelor Fake Fiance by Kimberly Krey {Review}

Her TV Bachelor Fake Fiance by Kimberly Krey

Kindle Edition, 162 pages

Published November 13th 2018 

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

    

Cambria gave this year’s TV Bachelor the face-slap seen & heard across America.
Can she offer him redemption too?

Canyon Byer, pharmaceutical rep turned famous model, is the new eligible bachelor on Find My Fiancé. Weeks into filming the reality TV show, Canyon earns the title of America’s Shallow Bachelor, as he seems to eliminate women with substance. As the finale draws near, he needs a shot at redemption, but in order to get it, America’s favorite bachelorette—the same woman Canyon wishes he hadn’t wronged—will have to give him a second chance.

While Cambria Wilson sits among family and friends during finale night, mixed feelings fight for a place in her heart. Sure, she and Canyon shared a very memorable kiss and she’d even been falling for him until she realized what a jerk he was, but that doesn’t explain the strange sadness that looms as she waits to see which of the finalists he’ll propose to.
 

In an unexpected twist during the final episode, Cambria learns that Canyon’s not going to propose to either of the bachelorettes left on the show. In fact, he’s about to appear on the doorstep of a woman he hopes to win back—all on live TV.
 

The bachelorette will be asked to join Canyon on a two-week winter wonderland getaway. Cambria would bet her Soap and Body Shop that she’s the last woman he’d choose; that is, until the chime of her doorbell proves her wrong.

My Review: 5 Stars

I love books based on The Bachelor! I haven't ever watched more than a part of one episode of the show, but I know what it's all about and I love the romantic premise. Kimberly Krey does a great job of taking that basic idea and twisting it enough to make it her own and I would love a show like this one.

Canyon made a serious mistake and he's left with two women, but he can't go through with a proposal to either one. An alternate plan is presented and he takes it--he's given a second chance with the one who got away. Cambria is as sweet as can be and accepts the challenge.

I love the undeniable chemistry that oozes between these two characters. I mean, I am seriously in love. It's easy to see why there were sparks of attraction in the first place and that it's deeper than a superficial level. Canyon and Cambria are strong, admirable, and gorgeous people--inside and out. I loved the twists and the turns that the show puts them through and the added dimension of tough issues, fears, and trials brought a solid element to the story. 

The swoon, forgiveness, romance, and Christmastime elements made this one a keeper in my book. This is one I have to put on my holiday re-read list.

Content: mild+ romance (swoony, steamy-clean kissing) 

Review: A June Bride (A Year of Weddings #7) by Marybeth Whalen

A June Bride (A Year of Weddings Novella Book 7) by Marybeth Whalen

ebook, 120 pages

Published May 27th 2014 by Zondervan 

Source: I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

My Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars

 

 

Description:

 

A year's worth of novellas from twelve inspirational romance authors. Happily ever after guaranteed.
It takes a reality TV show for Wynne to realize love isn't just a game.

Wynne Hardy never thought she'd get engaged on a reality TV show, but when she met Andy on The Rejection Connection, the two of them hit it off. Now he's asked her to marry him, much to the public's delight and fascination. They're all set to wed on live TV in a seaside ceremony at the height of the wedding season.

But just as Wynne thinks all her dreams are coming true, her ex-boyfriend walks back into her life at the worst possible time. Steve broke her heart years ago, and she's still sorting through her feelings for him. Her heart isn't as clear as her head that it's past time to move on---even though she's engaged to Andy.

At a local TV talk show appearance, Wynne meets Meredith, who won another reality TV show---Marathon Mom---proving herself nothing short of a superhero. As Wynne's beach wedding plans spin out of control, Meredith offers to help, unknowingly stepping on Wynne's secret feelings . . . and exposing some secrets Meredith has been keeping to herself. Can these two reality stars get real about their feelings? Will Wynne go through with her televised wedding and be the perfect June bride the network is looking for?

 

My Review:

 

I've mentioned before that I don't watch The Bachelor, but I love books with that premise. I love the way the contestant whittles her choices down and I love getting to know the choices. But...I didn't feel like I knew either Wynne or Andy all that well. She talked about one reason why she chose him, but I really didn't know him because the book starts after the choice and before the wedding episode. 

Wynne's best friend, Picky, talks her into making a video for a show that helps people find love after rejection and that's just the situation she's in. Callum broke her heart and it's time to move on, but I never got a feeling for why they were in love in the first place. I wanted to find a couple to really root for! Speaking of Callum...I'm not sure why the official description calls him Steve. Maybe there's another guy in the mix?

The thing that I really loved about this book is the way Wynne has to dig deep to really discover who she is and what she wants. The inner strength she finds, and at the perfect time, is inspiring. It's not always easy to do what you know is right and cutting ties to the past completely or moving on wholeheartedly towards the future is a tough choice to face, especially with the pressures that Wynne faces--deciding all of this in the public eye. She's one tough cookie and I did grow to like her.

 

Content: Clean!

 

Buy Links:

 

 

About the Author:  

 
Marybeth Whalen and her husband Curt have been married for 22 years and are the parents of six children, ranging in age from college to elementary school. The family lives in North Carolina. Marybeth is a speaker and the author of five novels. Her newest novel, The Bridge Tender, releases June, 2014. She is the co-founder of the popular women's fiction site, She Reads www.shereads.org and is the Writer in Residence at a local private school. Marybeth spends most of her time in the grocery store but occasionally escapes long enough to scribble some words. She is always at work on her next novel. You can find her at www.marybethwhalen.com.

Review: Victoria's Promise by Julie Wright

 

Victoria's Promise: A Newport Ladies Book Club Novel by Julie Wright
Published: January 2014, 240 pages
My Source: I received a copy in exchange for an honest review

Description: A luxurious mansion. Thirty stunning bachelorettes. One very eligible bachelor. All of the ingredients are in place for a successful reality dating show, and behind the scenes, Tori Winters is set to pull the romantic strings as assistant director of Vows. Despite her distaste for public exhibitions of love—which spelled the death of her last relationship—Tori intends to give the public exactly what they want: scintillating footage of a bevy of beauties vying for the attention of Christopher Caine. But Chris, a consummate Southern gentleman and the star of Vows, seems almost too good to be true—and soon, even Tori finds herself falling under his spell. Despite legal obligations to avoid fraternizing with the talent, it’s clear her feelings are anything but unrequited. With the support of her friends in the Newport Ladies Book Club, Tori must make a life-altering decision: is she willing to jeopardize all she’s worked for in order to embrace her own fairy-tale ending?

My Review: Once again, I love these bachelor-type books, even though I don't watch the show! I've read this whole series and I'm always amazed at the details I learn about each character when a book is focused solely on her. 

Victoria (Tori) is a busy girl in the other books. She does something in the television industry and is always on the go, yet in this story, the reader really delves into her personal life. And what a life she leads! She's an assistant director of a reality tv show and against all odds (and legal contracts), she finds herself falling for the bachelor. What's a girl to do? 

That bachelor...Christopher Caine. Woo-ee! He's quite the Southern gentleman and definitely comes across as way too good to be true. But who cares, right? He's got it all--the looks, the manners, etc.

I loved Tori! She's so dedicated to her job and cares so much for those around her. She notices that Ilana, from the book club, needs a little extra friendship and extends that hand to her. She befriends Shannon (also from the book club) and doesn't even seem to neglect her best friend or her family! 

I love the way she interacts with the bachelorettes. She's pretty much seen it all, so she almost treats them like children. Yet, amid all of her capabilities, I couldn't help but to feel a little sorry for her. Her true feelings bleed through her tough exterior.  

I absolutely loved every minute of it and adored the ending! One of my favorites of the series!

Content: clean!

Amazon  ||  Barnes & Noble

About the Author:
Julie Wright wrote her first book when she was fifteen. She's written fourteen novels since then and has nine traditionally published. She is represented by Sara Crowe at Harvey Klinger Inc. and is a Whitney Awards winner for best romance with her book Cross My Heart.

She has one husband, three kids, one dog, and a varying amount of fish, frogs, and salamanders (depending on attrition).

She loves writing, reading, hiking, playing with her kids, and watching her husband make dinner.

She hates mayonnaise.

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